Editorial: Sesqui-Centenary well marked

Port Macquarie’s 150th birthday did not pass unnoticed; indeed the eight days of celebration to mark such an important occasion as a sesquicentenary were a credit to those responsible for the organisation and also to the great numbers of townspeople who entered so enthusiastically into the festivities.

There were some outstanding individual contributions by people like Mr. Terry Gould, who had nothing whatsoever to gain from the time and effort he gave, and there were many other similar contributions; there was a creditable response from the business community, and the satisfaction some had because of their efforts will be greater than others; there was a simply marvellous response to the “get with it” appeals to relive the colonial days, and it was this aspect of the celebrations - the women in their crinolines and the men with their beards - that brought the greatest realisation that here was a town celebrating its 150th birthday.

Australia’s Governor-General came; the state Governor returned, for the second time in two years; the many other dignitaries and the notable happenings that will be with us for years to come, all tended to give cause to rejoice. Confronted two years ago with an impending 150th birthday, Port Macquarie didn’t fare any better than “could be expected” with helpers, and those who saw it through are few in number. The town has every reason to be proud of the manner in which the sesquicentenary has been marked, and the voluntary efforts of Dr. Harry Hodgson, first as chairman and later as organiser, were as notable as the occasion itself.

Wedding Bells

On August 17 last at St. Thomas’ Church of England, Port Macquarie, the marriage of Gweneth Florence, younger daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ray Dick to Robert Reid, only son of Mr. Stan Doig the late Mrs. Olive Doig, was performed by Archdeacon Warr.

The bride who was given away by her father was beautifully gowned in a full length frock of delustred bridal satin with a long veil held in place by a white rose. She was attended by a friend, Miss Lynette (Sally) Irwin, wearing a full-length frock of pink satin with a matching bow in her hair.

The bridegroom’s friend, Mr. Lyle Dick, acted as best man. The reception was held in the Church of England Hall and was well catered for by the women’s auxiliary. Surfers Paradise was chosen by the couple for their honeymoon and they have now made their home in Port Macquarie.

Nearly 200 Beards in Contest Finals

No less than 195 beards were on display in the finals of the beard-growing contest, held after the air pageant at the aerodrome on Sunday. As many again with whiskers or beards did not enter the judging. The judging which attracted some thousands of spectators in the afternoon, concluded the sesqui-centenary week of celebrations. The winner of the grand champion beard, picked from some 40 finalists was Mrs. Ted Fowler, of Wauchope, who sported a beautiful “blue” beard. The prizes which included 10 Remington electric shavers, were presented to the various winners by the deputy mayor, Ald. Cliff Gott.